best paintable primers for 3d print

The moment I popped open the container of the Smooth-On XTC-3D™ 20 Mold & Effects Silicone Rubber, I was greeted by a crystal-clear, slightly thick liquid that feels surprisingly smooth to the touch. It has a faint chemical scent, but nothing overwhelming.

The consistency makes it easy to pour and spread without drips or messes.

Applying it to a 3D printed piece, I noticed how self-leveling it is—wets out evenly and smoothly, leaving no brush strokes behind. The working time of about 10 minutes is just enough to get a nice, even coat without rushing.

You’ll appreciate how quickly it starts to cure, but it still gives you enough time to work with it.

The coating cures to a hard, impact-resistant finish in roughly 3.5 hours, which is pretty quick for a high-performance top coat. Once dried, the surface feels super smooth and almost glass-like to the touch.

It’s perfect for smoothing out layer lines on SLA, SLS, or even filament prints like PLA and ABS.

I tested it on different materials and was impressed by its ability to level out textured or uneven surfaces. The 80D Shore Hardness makes the final finish durable, yet still easy to sand or further finish if needed.

Cleanup is straightforward—just a little bit of solvent to wash brushes.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their 3D prints with a professional, smooth finish. Just keep in mind, it’s a bit pricey, and doing a small test first is recommended to ensure compatibility with your specific print material.

This paintable primer set has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and I finally got my hands on it. The moment I opened the box, I was impressed by how neatly everything was organized—tools, paints, and accessories all in one place.

It’s like having a mini workshop tailored for 3D print finishing.

The primer itself has a nice, smooth consistency that spreads easily over my models. I applied it with the included brush, which is surprisingly soft and flexible—no streaks or brush marks even on detailed surfaces.

The coverage was excellent, and it dried quickly, creating a perfect base for coloring.

The water-based paints are a real highlight. They’re vibrant, with strong coverage, and I love that they’re eco-friendly and low-odor.

The five colors—red, white, blue, black, and yellow—are enough for basic projects, and they blend well together. The included guide and tutorials made it easy to experiment with different effects, even as a beginner.

One feature I really appreciated is the model fixture and cleaning tools. They made handling my small models easier and kept my workspace tidy.

Also, the paint humidor kept the paints moist for days, so I didn’t waste any product. The blue butyl handle on the brush is a clever touch—it made painting small details more comfortable, reducing hand fatigue.

Overall, this set delivers on versatility and quality. It simplifies the whole process from priming to finishing, making it ideal for hobbyists and newcomers alike.

Plus, it’s safe for indoor use, which is a big plus for my setup.

While rummaging through my supplies, I unexpectedly found myself captivated by how smoothly this ELEGOO 3D Paint Kit handled even the tiniest details on my models. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the soft nylon brushes glided effortlessly, leaving behind minimal brush marks, which I usually struggle with.

Honestly, I didn’t anticipate such professional-looking results from a kit that’s marketed as beginner-friendly.

The included wet palette was a game-changer—it kept my paints fresh for days, making my workflow way more flexible. I could blend colors and tweak shades without rushing, which is perfect for creating complex, vibrant effects.

Plus, the paint handle’s ergonomic grip made detailed work comfortable, even during longer sessions. The step-by-step manual and tutorial video really took the guesswork out of the process, so I felt confident trying new techniques.

What I really appreciated was the versatility of the color mixing guide. It encouraged experimentation, allowing me to craft my own shades and effects easily.

The entire kit feels thoughtfully designed, with everything I needed for prep, painting, and finishing included—no extra trips to the store. And I loved that it’s eco-friendly, water-based, and safe for indoor use, which is a big plus for hobbyists working in small spaces.

Overall, this kit exceeded my expectations. It’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their 3D printing projects with professional-quality paintwork, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned modeler.

Fumbling with rough, unrefined terrain pieces that don’t quite fit or look realistic can kill the immersion of your game. I hit that frustration often, especially when trying to craft a convincing battlefield on a tight schedule.

That’s where the EnderToys Stone Boulder Terrain Bundle really stepped up for me.

Right out of the box, I appreciated how detailed and sturdy these pieces are. Made from eco-friendly PLA, they feel solid but lightweight enough for easy handling.

The six-piece set includes varied boulders and terrain shapes, giving you flexibility to build natural-looking landscapes.

What really stood out is how easy it was to prep them for painting. Since they come unpainted, I applied a good primer—something I always do—and the surface took the paint smoothly.

The textures are already detailed, so with a little effort, my miniatures and scenery looked instantly more immersive.

The size fits perfectly for 28mm miniatures, and the variety helps break up the monotony of flat terrain. Assembly was straightforward, with some pieces requiring a dab of glue, but nothing complicated.

I did notice slight color variations, which I found added a more natural feel rather than a flaw.

Overall, this set transforms a bland tabletop into a vibrant, engaging battlefield. It’s durable, easy to customize, and makes your miniatures stand out.

If you want detailed scenery that’s easy to paint and assemble, this bundle hits the mark.

Imagine setting up a creepy mausoleum scene for your 28mm miniatures, only to realize the unpainted surfaces look a bit bland under your favorite paints. I grabbed the EnderToys Mausoleum Graveyard Scene, and from the moment I unboxed it, I could tell it was made with care.

The intricate details on the 3D printed PLA structure immediately caught my eye—perfect for adding that extra layer of realism to my tabletop.

The size is spot-on for 28mm miniatures, and it fits seamlessly into my existing terrain setups. Assembly was straightforward; a little glue and some patience, and I had it ready.

I appreciated how the surface is primed but still requires some paint to truly bring it to life. The texture is smooth enough to accept paint well, but I did find that a good primer makes a huge difference.

One thing I loved is how lightweight yet sturdy it feels—no worries about it breaking easily. The level of detail is impressive, especially considering it’s a 3D print, and it really adds depth to my battlefield scenes.

Whether I’m staging a role-playing adventure or a skirmish game, this piece elevates everything. Plus, it’s made in the USA, which I always appreciate.

On the downside, some parts needed a bit of extra glue, especially in the more delicate areas. Also, the color variation can be a little inconsistent, but that’s expected with 3D printed PLA.

Overall, it’s a fantastic addition that makes painting easier and your terrain look more immersive.